.jpg "Melissa R. Friscia, M.S., CCC-SLP photo")
Speech-Language District Coordinator
Maui District, Hawai’i Department of Education
Melissa Friscia, M.S, CCC-SLP, is the speech and language coordinator for Maui District in the state of Hawai’i. Melissa lives on the island of Maui with her husband and their two dogs, Dolce and Vita. She received her Bachelor of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders and Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders from The College of Saint Rose in Albany, NY.
As the district coordinator for speech-language services, Melissa supports public schools across three islands in Hawai’i. Over the course of her eight years of employment with the Hawai’i Department of Education, she has developed and implemented district protocols to support culturally- and linguistically- diverse students in remote and rural areas of the state. Melissa plans and facilitates continuing education and professional learning community events for related service providers, school staff, and families. Also, Melissa provides related service provider training on updated local and federal policies related to the provision of services for students with disabilities. Additionally, she has supervised graduate students and clinical fellows, supporting the early careers of those residing in local communities.
Melissa has served as the President and Neighbor Island Affairs Director of the Hawai'i Speech-Language Hearing Association (HSHA). In addition, she has served on a variety of HSHA committees, including the Educational Affairs Committee, Convention Committee, and Legislative Committee. In 2018, Melissa collaborated with the HSHA Executive Board to apply for an ASHA State Association Grant; HSHA was awarded the grant to support the organization’s legislative efforts related to provisional licensing.
Melissa is a 2017 graduate of the ASHA Leadership Development Program (LDP), and frequently serves on the applicant review panel for new LDP cohorts. In addition, she has co-served as the Hawai’i State Education Advocacy Leader (SEAL) since June 2020, and is currently the ASHA SEAL Champion for the Western Division.
Wednesday, July 20, 2022
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET